Hey does anyone out there know if the quality of replacement windows can be known by the fact that the particular replacement window in question qualifies for the Government energy credit?

I've got some replacement windows that were put in 10 years ago. Surely a window that qualifies for the max 30% tax credit now should be a better window than what I put in 10 years ago I am assuming, considering the time that has passed, etc?

An Energy Star qualified (i.e. tax credit qualified) will meet certain performance minimums when it comes to thermal efficiency. This is indicative of what type of glass and/or gas fill is used. The window itself could ultimately be built to very poor tolerances and leak air like a sieve which would translate to very poor efficiency in a real world application. It could also be built using substandard vinyl or mil thickness and have many problems down the road during what would be considered a normal lifecycle.

Thanks Windows on Washington for the reply. That is what I was thinking.

I posted last week also. I am working with a window company and they are offering me an Alside UltraMaxx window or a Cutting Edge Plus window---both priced the same. I'm trying to figure out which one would be the better window to choose when looking between those two options.

Alside makes a lot of windows. Some better than others. If you are refering to the Ultra-Maxx, it is a decent window and is one of Alsides top windows. What I don't like about it is it uses a "pocket sill" which has the sash set into a U shaped channel. The sill is designed to drain water through the frame and to exit at weep holes in the bottom of the frame. The problem is that the drain also carries pollen, dirt, insects and whatever else has accumulated there. Eventually the weep holes can become clogged allowing water to just stand inside the window along with the bugs, pollen etc.

I'd put the Excalbur towards the bottom of that list mainly because the Air Infiltration is a bit high at .21 cfm @ 25mph. The Gorell and Okna are the top choice. I would look at the Simonton 5500 before deciding.

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